Organic Food Store Business Plan

Co-owners, Josh Wingard and Mary Stevens, have fifteen years of experience working in natural food stores.

Mary Stevens was one of the founding members of the Mason Peak Natural Grocery, 4th and Tyler.  The grocery was established in 1992 by the non-profit NEDCO, the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, and a number of concerned neighbors who wished to save the historic Mason Peak Market from destruction.  Mary started as a cashier and advanced to the position of store manager in 1996.  The grocery has grown into a community fixture under her management.

Josh Wingard ran the university’s now defunct Natural Food Collective for three years before the program was defunded.  The small on-campus store provide natural food products to student customers.  Sales increased by 20% each year under his leadership.  Unfortunately, the state budget shortfall impacted the continued funding of the program.  Prior to this position, Josh worked at Sunburst Natural Foods for four years.  His principle responsibilities were product ordering and stocking. 

6.1 Management Team

Josh Wingard and Mary Stevens were be the management team for the Last Frontier Market.  Mary will be responsible for staffing and daily operations.  Josh will be responsible for product ordering, stocking and bookkeeping.

6.2 Personnel Plan

Besides Josh Wingard and Mary Stevens, the last Frontier Market will have a staff of five:

• Three cashiers.
• Two produce staff.